Goan research institute to help Maharashtra treat alcohol abuse in Vidharbha region

Goan research institute to help Maharashtra treat alcohol abuse in Vidharbha region

TNN | Feb 21, 2019, 12:45 IST

Picture used for representational purpose only

PANAJI: The Maharashtra government has approached Porvorim-based mental health research institute Sangath for assistance to tackle alcohol abuse in the Vidharba region and to also address adolescent health issues in municipal areas in the Mumbai metropolitan region.

"This is a framework for an agreement between the government of Maharashtra and Sangath to implement programmes to increase access to mental health care," co-director on Sangath's Addictions Research Group (ARG) Dr Abhijit Nadkarni said.

Nadkarni said that Sangath's role would be to train, monitor and evaluate initiatives that can address concerns of adolescent well-being and alcohol abuse.

"Specifically, these programmes could include school wellness (pilot in municipal schools of Mumbai Metropolitan Region), community-based interventions for alcohol use disorders in the prohibition districts of Maharashtra, and training of ASHA workers in mental health sensitisation and awareness building," Nadkarni said.

Chandrapur in Vidarbha is the third district along with Wardha and Gadchiroli, also in Vidarbha, to ban alcohol.

The Maharashtra government reached out to Sangath after the state's chief minister Devendra Fadnavis launched Maha-Parivartan, an initiative that aims to transform Maharashtra through collaboration with civil society and organisations from all over the country working in diverse sectors such as water conservation, rural and agricultural development, road safety, public health, sanitation and nutrition.

After the Fadnavis-government sought out their help, Sangath submitted a letter of intent to the Maharashtra government.

Sangath chairperson Ashwin Tombat signed the letter of intent to implement "evidence-based mental health programmes" in designated parts of the neighbouring state and commissioner (family welfare) and director, National Health Mission, Mumbai, Anup Kumar Yadav accepted it on behalf of Maharashtra in the presence of Fadnavis.

While the Maharashtra government will provide the workforce and implement the initiatives, Sangath will provide the technical guidance and monitor mental health initiatives.

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